German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said Thursday that the
international community will block Iran from obtaining a nuclear
weapon.

"The current Iranian nuclear program represents an enormous danger,
not only to Israel but to the region as a whole," Westerwelle told
Jewish Global Forum in Washington.

"We cannot and will not accept an Iranian nuclear weapon... We need
substantive and verifiable guarantees that Iran is not pursuing a
nuclear weapon."

Israel, Washington, the European powers, and Gulf Arab states are
concerned Tehran is trying to develop atomic weapons under the cover
of a civilian nuclear program. Iran insists its nuclear program is
purely peaceful.

However, in early March, the head of the International Atomic Energy
Agency said there were indications that Iran was engaged in nuclear
weapons research.

"Iran is not telling us everything. That is my impression. We are
asking Iran to engage with us proactively, and Iran has a case to
answer," said IAEA director Yukiya Amano.

His remarks followed two recent IAEA reports that indicated Iran had
sought – and likely continues to seek – nuclear technologies of a
military nature.

IAEA experts previously reported Iran´s production of 20% enriched
uranium is far greater than needed for peaceful purposes. They also
note Iran´s medical research sector is not sufficiently advanced to
justify such production.

Last month, the so-called P5+1 group - the five permanent members of
the UN Security Council plus Germany - met in Istanbul with Iranian
officials to discuss their concerns, with a further meeting set for
May 23 in Baghdad.

Israeli officials say further talks are futile and charge Iran is
playing for more time to develop an atomic bomb.

However, Westerwelle called for further negotiations with Tehran,
stressing that "our unity and our resolve are showing results."
At the same time, he made clear that "our patience is limited. We
will not accept playing for time," adding, "the Iranian regime
continues to threaten Israel with annihilation."

"I want you to know that we will continue to stand by Israel´s side,"
he told the Jewish Global Forum.